Spill preparedness report completed: CNLOPB

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB) has “made good progress” in responding to recommendations from the federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, according to a spokesman for the board.

In a report released in early February, Commissioner Scott Vaughan called on the offshore regulator to clarify the responsibilities, roles and responsive steps in the case of a major spill offshore.

The regulator committed to completing a review of offshore spill response plans by March 31.

On Tuesday, the NDP issued a statement demanding a look at the document.

“It is all very well for the CNLOPB to say they want the emphasis to be on preventing oil spills ... However, in the event of a catastrophe, we must be ready. It is more than four months since the (board) should have completed the oil spill readiness review,” said provincial NDP Leader Lorraine Michael, in the statement.

“I am sure I am not the only member of the public who wants to see this report.”